Microsoft unveils new Surface tablets

Microsoft Japan launched two new models of its Surface tablet computer on Friday that are being touted for business use.

The new models are designed to compete with a new version of the popular iPad tablet Apple Inc. is set to release on Nov. 1.

The successors to the Surface RT, which debuted locally in March, run on the Windows 8.1 operating system and have the same 10.6-inch screen as the original, but with improved resolution and processing speeds, Microsoft Japan said.

The 32-gigabyte Surface 2 is priced at ¥44,800, while the 128-gigabyte Surface Pro 2 sells for ¥99,800.

At a press conference Thursday, Microsoft Japan President Yasuyuki Higuchi said the new models have stands that can be set in two positions. Together with an optional keyboard, “they can be used for business as personal computers,” he said.